After compiling numerous accolades in her two All-American seasons at Indian River State College, swimmer Stephanie Doran looks to continue that success here at Florida Southern College.
Doran started her collection of accomplishments at FSC sooner than even she had imagined, winning the season’s first Sunshine State Conference Women’s Swimmer-of-the-Week Award.
“I was shocked to win [the swimmer-of-the-week award], but it felt really good to contribute so early,” Doran said.
Doran was given the award for her performance in the All-Florida Invitational. Doran posted three top-ten finishes against some outstanding competition, including swimmers from seven Division I programs.
“The All-Florida meet was a huge eye-opener. It was good to be able to race against some of the fastest people. There were some very good swimmers,” Doran said.
Despite her early-season accomplishments, Doran is not complacent. She continues to work towards the lofty goals she has set for herself.
“I want to win the conference, make it to NCAA’s and score pretty high. Hopefully I will even win,” Doran said.
Doran not only wants to beat everyone she currently swims against, but she also aims to beat the swimmers that have come before her at FSC.
“I have not broken any school records but it is definitely a goal that I work toward,” Doran said.
Doran attributes a lot of her success to the hard work she has put in both at FSC and at IRSC. She also said the similarity between the two programs has helped her make the transition.
“The coach here, Duncan, is so much like my coach was at my junior college so the similarity helped make it an easier adjustment. The real difference between here and there is that there is a lot more yardage here. We swim a lot more which is a good thing,” Doran said.
Clearly Doran does not mind the hard work that comes with being an FSC swimmer. She said being around the other hard-working swimmers all the time helps to keep her motivated. Doran’s other motivation comes from her competitive nature.
“The individual and team goals give me something to constantly be working toward. Also, I want to be the best and set school records. I see the record board every day and I want to be on it,” Doran said.
Doran will next compete at her old stomping ground when the team travels to Indian River State for a meet with Daytona State on Nov. 18.
